CLIO, MI -- Kern Brantley has a three-ring description of what it's like working onstage as the bandleader for pop superstar Lady Gaga's over-the-top productions.

"It's kind of like being in the circus. You just have to
know the stage, where to step, and where not to step. The main thing is being
careful when you're up there," said Brantley, 45.

Brantley talked about his work and his rise through the ranks of music industry stars in a visit Wednesday, Sept. 19, to Clio schools with friend and Clio graduate Andrew McGarry. The two were promoting a new way of learning music, athletics, cooking and more through a video smartphone app that McGarry developed.

For Brantley, music opened many doors.

He's a graduate of Mumford High School in Detroit and former
student at Henry Ford College and Wayne State University. He stressed the
importance of practice and musical versatility to the students at Clio middle and high schools. He also shared
some of the ins and outs of his accomplished career -- which includes being
musical director for worldwide tours and award shows of artists such as Beyonce,
Mary J Blige, Aaliyah, and dozens of other A-list musicians. He has also recorded
with Jay Z, Lil Wayne, and more.

"A musical director is pretty much like a producer, but for a
live concert setting instead of a record. The concert goes down that night, so
everything has to be ready to roll that day," he explained. "It's a lot of
pressure, but it's a lot of fun, too. I work with a lot of great musicians, so
that makes it easier for me."

On stage in the oversize Gaga productions, Brantley said, "You have doors that are
opening, things blowing up behind you, things going on in the sky.

"You can be
up there having a good time, but I always just try to check the parameter to
make sure I'm not too close to the edge of the stage, or not standing in an
area that I shouldn't be."

Not that distractions are new to Brantley.

Gaga is known for having elaborate stage shows, but Brantley
said working with Beyonce and New Edition has prepared him well for the task. Performing
with them, he has had to play while tuning out cannons,
pyrotechnic displays, a waterfall, and other stage and sound effects.

McGarry's app, timed to launched in October, aims to help people reach similar heights.

A 1990 graduate of Clio High School, he's the
founder and CEO of My Pro, a smartphone app that will let users purchase instructional
videos for various endeavors — music, athletic training, cooking and more — created by
professionals in those industries.

With years of accomplishments and experience behind him,
Brantley said he is excited to work with McGarry and My Pro to teach children and other
musicians how to play bass, guitar and keyboard. He was mentored by Stevie
Wonder collaborator Nate Watts, and he wants to pay it forward for future
musicians.

"We're (showing children) how to get into the industry and show
them what they can do coming from an urban city like Detroit, where there's not
a lot of opportunities. Letting kids know that they can still make it," Brantley
said.

McGarry said that My Pro isn't only for aspiring
professionals, but also for anyone who wants to learn from professionals. He was
an athlete while he was in Clio, and he became an athletic trainer later on,
while living with his wife and children in Grand Blanc. He moved to Tennessee
two years ago.

He used YouTube as part of his training tools, and said he
conceptualized My Pro about 18 months ago.

"I thought, what if I took what I did on YouTube to another
level? Instead of just putting 30 percent of (my regimens), what if I put it
all on there and gave it away?" said McGarry, 41. "The Lord gave me a vision
for this not to stop with me."

McGarry said that so far, he has raised nearly $1 million in
capital for the company, and has inked deals with athletes, musicians and other
professionals who will share the app and their videos after the launch. About 70
of the contracted 120 people have already uploaded videos, and McGarry said he
hopes to have between 200 and 300 people within a year of the launch. Participants
come back to upload new content every six months.

That number of people would account for between 4,000 and
6,000 videos.

Star power so far includes Brantley, New York Giants running
back Brandon Jacobs, Indiana Pacers guard George Hill, former WNBA player Ticha
Penecheiro, Bad Religion guitarist Greg Hetson and Grammy-winning singer Israel
Houghton.

"Everyone who has seen this has said, 'Oh my God, what have
you done'? McGarry said.

McGarry said he came back to Clio for a visit to show his
hometown to the world, and inspire his city.

"I wanted to get on film where I came from: a middle-American
kid in a divorced household who had a dream and made it happen," McGarry said. "I
thought it was a good story to tell, especially in this area."